A couple of major re-signings happened yesterday that should be brought back into the spotlight. The first was Cody Hodgson getting a six-year deal worth $4.25 million per year from the Buffalo Sabres. Hodgson has been the driving force in the Buffalo Sabres first line since trading Zack Kassian for him at the 2012 trade deadline. Last year Hodgson put up 15 goals and 34 points, finishing second on the team. He is the future of the Buffalo Sabres as they begin their rebuild.

The other resigning is Nazem Kadri of the Toronto Maple Leafs signing a two-year contract for $2.9 million per year. Kadri showed promise during his last couple seasons in the AHL (41 points in 44 games in 2011 and 40 points in 48 games in 2012). He also had a couple of decent stints in Toronto playing 29 and 21 games in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The 22 year old former 7th overall pick was able to stick for his first full season last year and did not disappoint. Kadri put up 18 goals and 44 assists in 48 games last season. Expect him to center David Clarkson and James Van Riemsdyk on the second line.

There are still several big name restricted free agents looking for contracts: Cody Franson of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Derek Stephan of the New York Rangers and Alex Pietrangelo of the St. Louis Blues. As training camps draw near, expect to see these players get bridge contracts (short contracts with less money so the player can show their worth while the team saves cap. Example: P.K. Subban’s contract).